Newport on Tay to Newburgh - 15miles, Return- Newburgh to Newport on Tay 15miles

Part of National Cycle Route (777)

Surface- Roads, mainly minor roads, not too many potholes
Difficulty- Fairly hilly route with lots of ups and downs. Steep hill outside Balmerino (on way to Newburgh), great hill for coming back down though!
Recommended bike-  Any (I used a mountain bike, quite tough going up hills)
Time we completed route (beginners) - 1 1/2hrs to Newburgh, 2hrs coming back from Newburgh: Total 3 1/2hrs.
Signposted Route: Yes, clearly marked with National Cycle Route 777. (Therefore I won't bore you with the road names etc)
Worth taking a camera? Yes, very scenic route and some amazing views.
Weather on day we completed route: Sunny with a slight breeze


View Newport on Tay - Newburgh in a larger map

Parked the car on Blyth Street (off Cupar road) in Newport on Tay. There is large church on the corner as you turn into the street.

Set off downhill along the high street in Newport and continued along the road. Roads fairly quiet along the town and great views as you head out towards the direction of the Tay Rail Bridge (on the B946). The scenery is great along here with lovely old build houses, harbour and views over to Dundee.

2 1/2 miles in you head out towards the countryside and very quiet roads. We saw a few cars and a few motorcylists along with people out on their bikes for what was a great day for cycling. This is where the first of some very small hills start. I saw one big hill in the distance at this point and thought, oh no, but thankfully we detoured to the right at this point, so don't be put off! 

You continue through countryside, small villages and farmlands to a lovely little village called Balmerino (if you detour off, its signposted) you can visit the abbey.  http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/balmerino/abbey/index.html 

This though is where the steepest hill of the day is at 5 1/2 miles and is a hard climb to the top as the road continues to climb (though not as steeply) for about 1 1/2 mile. The height climbed is approximately 443ft. Once you have done this its downhill the rest of the way to Newburgh. Nothing beats the sun shining and the rush of the cool air as you whizz down the hills. I would like to say the wind running through my hair but health and safety prevails and I always wear a helmet! Remember if you are going back there is a few more hills to climb back up!  There are some fantastic views on the way down and worth stopping for a photo or a well deserved break. Worthy of a note were the spring daffodils and lambs along the way.

After an amazing downhill ride and great views we cycle into Newburgh (watch out for the Ducks crossing sign, honest) and along the High Street stopping for a well deserved picnic at the local park which has picnic benches and a nice view over to Mugdrum Island. The Park is located at the far end of the High Street and where route 777 then detours over to Auchtermuchty if you wish to continue. 

Great lunch then we set off back the route we came but was certainly more hilly on the way back with a gradual climb of 514ft as we left Newburgh. This was the hardest part going back as the rest of the hills are not as big a climb to the top. However after lunch I was certainly ready for this hill! Especially as the slight breeze was now making my climb a little harder! Going back this way there are amazing downhill runs too and with great roads its easy just to let go and enjoy the ride.

All in all a great afternoon of cycling with a great route (if a little hilly), good roads which were reasonably quiet, fantastic scenery and some great downhill runs. My rating 8/10. Next time I need to remember the sunscreen!